TED Business
TED
Whatever your business conundrum, there’s a TED Talk for that—whether you want to learn how to land that promotion, set smart goals, undo injustice at work, or unlock the next big innovation. Every Monday, host Modupe Akinola of Columbia Business School presents the most powerful and surprising ideas that illuminate the business world. After the talk, you'll get a mini-lesson from Modupe on how to apply the ideas in your own life. Because business evolves every day, and our ideas about it should, too.Follow Modupe on Instagram @mnakinola and LinkedIn @mnakinola Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
4 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 14min
Most countries fail at clean energy. Here’s how mine succeeded | Sebastián Kind
Sebastián Kind, an energy expert who led Argentina's impressive shift to nearly 40% renewable energy, shares his insights from this remarkable journey. He reveals how the success wasn't just about technology but about smart legal and financial frameworks that attracted billions in investments. Kind discusses the importance of bipartisan support in crafting renewable laws, the strategic measures that protected investors, and the game-changing savings for the economy. He also shares how other countries can replicate Argentina's breakthrough approach to clean energy.
15 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 13min
What sex, soap and alcohol taught me about making an impact | Myriam Sidibe
Myriam Sidibe, a public health expert and founder of Brands on a Mission, shares insights from her work on large-scale hygiene campaigns. She challenges businesses to shift from superficial philanthropy to sustainable social impact, using Lifebuoy's hygiene program as a model. Myriam discusses an innovative campaign by Carling Black Label tackling toxic masculinity and highlights the AI voice project 'Fatima' to amplify girls' voices. She emphasizes that lasting change comes from commitment and strategic alignment in business.
16 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 12min
Tax the rich — and save the planet | from TED Talks Daily
Esther Duflo, a Nobel Prize-winning economist renowned for her work on poverty, tackles the urgent climate crisis with a bold proposal: taxing the ultra-wealthy. She reveals that rising temperatures disproportionately impact poorer nations, costing them approximately $1.7 trillion annually due to greenhouse gas emissions. Duflo suggests a 3% wealth tax on the richest individuals to raise vital funds and emphasizes public support for such measures. She advocates for direct cash transfers to affected communities, promoting resilience and social safety nets.
Nov 10, 2025 • 24min
Tech Solutions (#1): The affordable tech that will revolutionize farming (with Samir Ibrahim and Josephine Waweru)
Samir Ibrahim, CEO of SunCulture, discusses how the company develops affordable solar-powered irrigation systems for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. He highlights the importance of listening to farmers' needs and navigating early funding challenges. Josephine Waweru, a smallholder farmer from Kenya, shares her transformative experience after installing a solar pump. She reveals how it eliminated diesel costs, expanded her farm, and inspired neighbors to adopt the technology, all while encouraging young people to see farming as a viable opportunity.
9 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 12min
A bold idea to rebuild the working class | Molly Hemstreet
Molly Hemstreet, a TED Fellow and co-founder of the Industrial Commons, is revolutionizing rural economies in Southern Appalachia through worker ownership and sustainable textiles. In this engaging talk, she discusses transforming textile waste into valuable yarn and emphasizing the importance of empowering local workers. Molly also highlights her journey in founding Opportunity Threads, an employee-owned textile company, and shares inspiring stories of worker leadership. Her vision for generational change focuses on deep community care as the foundation for economic power.
9 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 13min
The world's first "nature superpower" | Ilona Szabó de Carvalho
Ilona Szabó de Carvalho, a civic entrepreneur dedicated to combating deforestation, shares her vision of Brazil as a 'nature superpower.' She reveals how Brazil seeks to profit from protecting its environment, addressing the massive illegal deforestation crisis and its connections to global crime. Ilona discusses innovative solutions like satellite forest mappings and community-driven bioeconomies. Her initiative, Greenbridge, inspires a future where nature is central to national identity, aiming to turn environmental challenges into economic opportunities.
17 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 42min
Brené Brown on courageous leadership | from ReThinking with Adam Grant
Brené Brown, a renowned researcher and author, dives into the heart of courageous leadership and her new book, Strong Ground. She shares powerful insights on identifying core values and the essential role of vulnerability in leadership. Listeners will learn about the value of hard conversations, how to replace gossip with direct dialogue, and the importance of self-awareness. Brené also draws lessons from FBI negotiators to enhance emotional resonance in communication, making this discussion a treasure trove for aspiring leaders.
47 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 14min
A traditional job isn’t the only path to success | TED Talks Daily
Anuj Tanna, a social entrepreneur and cofounder of Mesh, dives into the transformative potential of Africa's informal economy. He challenges the stereotype of the 'jobless generation' by highlighting how young entrepreneurs contribute significantly to the economy. Tanna discusses shifting identity from 'jobless' to 'entrepreneur' and emphasizes the importance of trust and community in peer-to-peer commerce. He also argues for real-world learning tailored to informal sectors, presenting Mesh as a vital platform for fostering economic growth and resilience.
Oct 9, 2025 • 27min
How Texas became America’s biggest producer of wind energy | Speed & Scale
Join Pat Wood, former chairman of the Texas Public Utility Commission, as he shares how Texas transitioned from an oil powerhouse to the leading wind energy producer in the U.S. He discusses the critical role of innovative policies and public support in transforming perceptions about renewables. Wood recounts pivotal moments, like Governor Bush's influence and the 1999 Renewable Portfolio Standard. The conversation highlights how strategic transmission investments not only made wind energy feasible but also reduced emissions significantly.
10 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 16min
How to get people to do what you want | Barry Sonnenfeld
Barry Sonnenfeld, renowned director of hits like Men in Black and The Addams Family, shares insights from his impressive 40-year career. He discusses how embracing pessimism helps enhance creativity and the art of subtle comedy. Sonnenfeld emphasizes the importance of punctuality and advises against traditional career paths. He recounts playful strategies to handle bullies and advocates for clear communication in decision-making. Through humor and wisdom, he illustrates the power of adaptability in filmmaking and life.
